Philip Morris South Africa (PMSA), committed to ending the sale of cigarettes, is introducing the number one US nicotine pouch brand, ZYN, to the South African market. This launch complements Philip Morris International’s (PMI) ambition to derive two-thirds of its net revenue from smoke-free products by 2030. This will be achieved by expanding PMI’s portfolio of better alternatives to cigarettes in South Africa for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke or use other nicotine products.

Why Zyn?

The best thing smokers can do for their health is to stop using nicotine and tobacco products. However, data shows that less than one in ten smokers quit completely in any given year. PMI has developed a range of science-backed smoke-free products to offer better alternatives to cigarettes for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke.

To accelerate smokers’ transition to better alternatives, PMSA is launching its own nicotine pouches in South Africa, the subsidiary’s latest step towards achieving a smoke-free future. The product is not without risks and contains nicotine, which is addictive. It is only intended for use by adults of legal age who are current nicotine users.

Jonathan Kwak, director of smoke-free products at Philip Morris South Africa, says that ZYN pouches are not only better than traditional tobacco, but are also designed to be comfortable to carry in your pocket or bag. “Whether you are at work, travelling or with friends, you can enjoy ZYN without disturbing those around you,” he says.

What is Zyn?

A nicotine pouch is a thin product made from a teabag-like material containing plant fibres, flavourings and nicotine extract, and can be enjoyed orally by placing it under the upper lip. “They are a rapidly growing way to enjoy nicotine that is better than continuing to smoke. ZYN, designed in the Nordic countries, is now accelerating the delivery of a smoke-free future in markets such as the US and Sweden,” says Kwak.

Although snus (a popular oral tobacco product in Sweden) and ZYN nicotine pouches are similar in appearance and both are used in the mouth for 20 to 30 minutes, there are significant differences between them. While snus is made from tobacco, ZYN does not contain tobacco leaves, but instead contains pharmaceutical-grade nicotine combined with food-grade ingredients. ZYN comes in a variety of formats and sizes, nicotine strengths, flavors, and [moisture] content to provide adult smokers and current nicotine users with an option that best suits their personal preferences.

Kwak adds: “In 2022, PMI acquired Swedish Match, a global leader in oral nicotine products with a decades-long legacy of replacing cigarette smoking in Sweden with snus and ZYN. Sweden now has the lowest smoking rate in Europe. We are excited to bring their expertise to South Africa.”

He continued: “Oral smoke-free products are an important addition to our smoke-free product portfolio and our effort to accelerate the end of smoking. We believe that no single smoke-free product will satisfy the preferences of all adult smokers. Therefore, a diverse, science-based portfolio of smoke-free products is necessary to encourage as many smokers as possible to switch and quit completely.”

Zyn variety

Available in supermarkets, petrol stations, independent convenience stores and selected tobacconists, ZYN is currently available in five adult-oriented variants, including Black Cherry, Cool Mint, Bellini, Exotic Mango and Espressino. These flavours come in two different nicotine strengths: medium (3mg of nicotine per sachet) and strong (6mg of nicotine per sachet).

Kwak says: “ZYN cans come in two formats in the South African market. ZYN Mini Rich comes in cans with solid colour labels that represent a rich and intense nicotine experience, and the smooth and enjoyable ZYN Mini Dry comes in white label cans with the ZYN name in the colour of its respective variant.”

A better alternative

Nicotine pouches like ZYN are proving to be a viable alternative to cigarettes for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke or use other nicotine-containing products. These pouches fit comfortably between the lip and gum, slowly releasing nicotine without smoke or tobacco.

ZYN represents a tobacco-free revolution, as it contains no tobacco at all. “More and more scientists and public health experts are recognising the role of smoke-free alternatives in addressing global smoking figures. These products, while not without risks, are a better alternative for those adults who choose to continue smoking,” Kwak reports.

Kwak says: “A lit cigarette can reach temperatures of up to 900°C. This combustion process releases over 6,000 harmful and potentially damaging chemicals. Scientifically evaluated smoke-free products eliminate this combustion, significantly reducing exposure to harmful chemicals.”

Join the smoke-free movement

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are around 1.1 billion smokers worldwide. Smoke-free alternatives offer a practical approach to reducing this number by offering better options to adults who choose to continue smoking.

“Smoke-free culture is about supporting adult smokers on their journey to a smoke-free life,” says Kwak. “Whether you are a friend, family member or colleague, you can inspire and help others to quit smoking and choose a better alternative.”

Kwak reiterates that ZYN nicotine pouches are not risk-free and contain nicotine, which is addictive. He says they should only be used by adults who would otherwise continue to smoke or use other nicotine products. “Remember, if you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you smoke, quit. And if you don’t quit, switch,” Kwak concludes.

For more information, visit www.pmi.com and www.pmiscience.com